Transport / Build Team Assistant
Due to continued growth and expansion we are looking to recruit an assistant to our Transport and Build teams.
There are two aspects to this new role – the first is to support our Build Project Supervisors who manage two build teams who work nationally throughout the UK installing renewable energy projects (PVs and wind turbines) and installing free range egg production units and associated infrastructure.
The second area of responsibility will be to support our Transport Manager, Transport Supervisor and HGV Drivers. As a company we have a fleet of 15 lorries and 35+ cars and vans and we are looking to recruit an extremely capable, self-motivated and hard working individual to work as part of a small, friendly transport team.
We are looking for someone:
- who has experience of working within a transport, logistics or construction environment
- who is smart/presentable with an excellent telephone manner
- with the relevant qualifications and experience (CPC training would be ideal but not essential)
- willing to take on any task with enthusiasm
- adaptable, who is able to “think on their feet” and adopt a practical, hands on approach.
- conscientious - as attention to detail and the ability to work to a very high standard is critical
- who is a team player and willing to get stuck in, whatever is needed. The successful candidate will need to be able to listen, understand and follow instructions and be pro-active and resilient during setbacks and problems, which are inevitable when dealing with transport and large scale construction projects.
- who can ask for work if not busy and work using their own initiative, with minimum input
- with a Class two HGV driving licence or be willing to take it.
- with the ability to communicate effectively with producers, colleagues and drivers.
Full training on our bespoke systems will be given but we anticipate the ideal candidate will be computer literate with good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Excel, spreadsheets, databases etc and excellent internet/email competence.
Duties will include:
- Scheduling the egg collections ensuring that driver hours, vehicle servicing, most cost effective routes etc are taken into consideration.
- Ensuring we comply with the Working Time Directive at all times
- Organising unit and trailer inspections as required, in line with VOSA recommendations – taking and fetching lorries and drivers to the relevant testing and servicing centres.
- Additional driving as required when drivers are on holiday, off sick or have a breakdown, with nights out as needed. HGV 2 driving licence or a willingness to take it essential.
- Driving the company show trailer around the country when the company is exhibiting at shows, with nights out etc as needed.
- Investigating any collection or delivery queries
- Liaising with producers over stock requirements
- Liaising with packing centres over delivery requirements
- Recording and filing all inspection sheets and mileage at inspection date on our bespoke database (full training provided).
- Organising, overseeing and recording all maintenance/repair work on all company vehicles.
- Issuing driver equipment as required (defect books, tachographs, uniform, etc).
- Dealing with all collection queries from producers.
- Issuing information (eg maps etc) to drivers, as and when required.
- Liaising with other departments when items need to be sent to producers.
- Producing correspondence (including letters, emails, reports, faxes, contracts, agreements etc).
- Electronic filing of correspondence on the relevant folders on the computer system.
- Recording all lorry and trailer tyres on a monthly basis.
- To ensure our O-Licence is kept up to date with new/hired vehicles.
- Working on site on construction projects.
Points to note are:
- full time position - 8.30-5.00 x 5 days per week with flexibility to meet business needs and to allow for travel to site etc.
- 20 days holiday per year, plus bank holidays
- competitive salary
- bonus scheme after 6 months service
We offer a good remuneration package, according to experience and capability, and the opportunity to work for an expanding company within an enthusiastic, highly-motivated team.
How do you apply?
- By email to vacancies@johnbowler.co.uk ensuring that:
- You clearly state in the subject line which vacancy you are applying for
- You attach a copy of your current CV
- You give details of your current role and salary
- You give information of why you think you are ideal for this position and what you feel you have to offer.
No recruitment agencies please.
As a company we greatly encourage promotion within and try to utilise peoples' strengths by encouraging them to achieve as much as possible, which can result in staff changing roles and increasing or decreasing their responsibilities, but most importantly, they enjoy their work and the rewards it offers, examples include:
Ian Chambers MBCS – New Projects and Head of IT – Ian was recruited into an IT Support role in 2003 and spent his first year learning about our databases and websites and attending various training courses in order to enhance his existing technical skills. By the end of his first year he had become an expert in the bespoke Bowler systems and was able to provide training and technical support both internally and to producers. Ian’s responsibilities grew rapidly as his knowledge, skills and ability in IT, website design and content, telecommunications, advertising, recruitment, training and research were utilised to their full capacity. By 2006 no two weeks were ever the same as Ian’s involvement in the rapid growth of the company became invaluable. As Ian’s expertise and responsibility grew, so did the size of his team as we took on two additional staff to expand our bespoke databases, IT systems and support services , providing Ian with yet more new challenges and experiences in people management and delegation.
During 2007/08 Ian took responsibility for project managing the construction of our new head offices in Hilton. Ian had never been involved in anything remotely similar to this kind of project before and relished the challenge of learning a host of new skills.
Ian has demonstrated a vast array of skills and ability but he also has a willingness to learn from others, an abundance of common sense and a passion to succeed which has made him a valued, trusted and respected member of the management team. Ian met and married his wife through Bowlers and we are looking forward to seeing what the future holds for Ian as we continue to grow and diversify into other ventures.
Stuart Walker - Transport Manager - Stuart joined the company in 1989 on the build team and spent many a year building, extending and reconstructing free range units. After taking his Class 1 HGV course, which was funded by the company, Stuart moved from the build team into transport as a HGV Driver. Stuart has now been with the company for over 19 years and is the transport manger for the John Bowler Free Range Egg business, he is responsible for every aspect including drivers, purchasing new lorries and organising the transportation of over 1 million eggs per day.
Jenny Ford - HR Manager - Jenny joined Bowlers in 2002 as part of the field support admin team. Following a change in requirements Jenny changed roles and became the office receptionist and general secretary to the company. During Jenny's time in this role it was clear that her secretarial and organisational skills could be utilised by John Bowler, and in late 2004 Jenny became John's PA, helping to organise John's working diary and dealing with his clerical work. In August 2007 Jenny's personnel and organisational skills were further recognised and rewarded by her promotion to HR Manager.
Andrew Watson – Head of Build & Sales - Andrew joined the company as a lorry driver back in 1996. After driving for 2 years Andrew moved into field support, providing day to day hands on support to our free range egg producers across England and Wales.
In 1999 Andrew started to work alongside John in sales and at the same time moved into the build department of the company. After a short period as transport manager responsible for expanding our fleet of lorries to accommodate bird numbers, Andrew assumed full responsibility for the build department and, as the company started to expand rapidly, he was fundamental in establishing strong suppliers links and ensuring that the necessary labour, materials and equipment were on site to bring the construction of the free range egg production units in on deadline and on budget.
After 13 years with company Andrew now has a senior place on the management team of the company whilst still maintaining an active role as well as overall responsibility for the build and sales function. Andrew also plays a part in the placement of pullets as well as expanding our pullet base. 5 years ago Andrew invested in a partnership with the company on a free range farm of his own, which accommodates 12,000 organic free range birds.
Andrea Plant BSc (Hons) ACCA – Group Financial Controller - Andrea joined the company in early 1999 as an Accounts Junior. During her first summer she studied for, and attained, the Intermediate Stage of the Association of Accounting Technicians qualification. With the increase in the accounts requirement Andrea soon took on the production of the Management Accounts in conjunction with the auditors. Over the coming years Andrea worked to automate many of our Accounting systems and she began studying for ACCA.
In 2000 Andrea became Office manager as well as looking after the accounts department and was promoted to Group Financial Controller in 2003. In Jan 2005 Andrea left the company to pursue a new life in Canada, however due to personal circumstances she returned to England in 2006. Andrea rejoined the company in May 2006 and was successful in passing the ACCA and being accepted for membership in August 2007. This is a fantastic achievement and is a classic example of how Bowler's strive to support members of staff if they wish to improve their career.
The following letter was received by a former employee, re-applying for employment:
It has been a long time since we last talked so I hope that you don't mind my direct approach, however, I was hoping that you may be able to consider me for any future roles that may become available within your business.
Having spent a few years in different roles and with different employers it has made me really appreciate that Bowler's is a great place to work, where people are valued and treated with respect which, I have discovered, is a rare commodity in the modern workplace.
I've learned the hard way that being able to get a job anywhere is easy; finding a decent employer is the difficult part, even when you are employed by big brands, hence my desire to return to Bowler's. I've seriously learned the "grass is NOT always greener" lesson! And I also know I'm not the type to sit at home all day which is why my full commitment has returned. You can't do enough for a good employer.
The following was sent by an employee after he had moved to a new job with a new company..
"I would like to thank you for everything. By everything I mean everything. The opportunities, the highs, the lows, the support (both on a business and friendship level), the laughs and the pain, from which I feel I am and can be me, and all this because of you and the company.
Well, the first day with the boss...........how would I, let alone anybody forget that. As keen and as eager to please, all did not go to plan - did it? But how I feel I have grown since. I have learnt how to read maps, been kissed by male Norfolk producers, dipped feet in dog bowls, organised events, trained new staff (which I never thought I could do) and have made some great friendships along the way with both colleagues and producers alike. When I first began the job, on my first day at Badger Farm (collecting eggs) I felt nervous about managing the farm all by myself and well, the sweat set in as I did not feel I had the confidence to do so, but since.......
Having learnt all that I have within this role within such an amazing team has given me the confidence to stand out of a zone of comfort and has made me appreciate what can be achieved with the right attitude and approach.
I shall truly miss the company, the extended family and the work hard, play hard ( er ) attitude. The perks with the job are far more than was advertised.......... In addition to laptop, phone, car etc I would include ' being a member of an amazing team, both inside and outside of the role', Personal development at an incredible rate (almost vertical), and confidence boosts per day - (more than a pullet receives in vaccinations in its lifetime!) are a few examples.
Although moving on, I shall continue to promote the company and services as per usual and I would like to thank you once again for all the opportunities that you and the team have given me along with the wonderful memories which I shall treasure."
Testimonials of a new member of staff
The job advertised instantly interested me because it was exactly the type of role I wanted; something new and challenging with opportunities to develop within the company. The website is very well presented and the new staff testimonials gave a very good insight to the company.
On applying I quickly received an acknowledgment email which gave me confidence. When I came for interview I was dealt with in a professional and friendly manner and felt comfortable throughout – getting out of the gates was the only test!! I left the interview feeling positive and liked the clean and modern offices.
On my first day I was greeted by Sue and was instantly made to feel welcome. The induction was helpful and a tour of the office followed. I was introduced to members of staff and everyone was pleasant. After the induction I was shown to my desk; Sue and Lesia helped me to quickly settle in and have been very kind.
The whole process from the start has been friendly and professional. I am very pleased to be part of the team and look forward to new challenges ahead of me.